Editorial September 15, 1917 Issue

The Trumpet Call

William P. McKenzie

"If the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" This was Paul's vivid question to the Corinthians.

It might be supposed that he spoke as a Roman citizen, drawing his figure from the legions of the all-pervading army of Rome. But in his letter to the Romans he declared his allegiance to his people, saying, "I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin." How often as a child he must have been thrilled with the stories of his people, hearing in imagination the trumpet blasts of Ehud and Gideon as they rallied the people against Moabites and Midianites ; the trumpet call of Saul the king; of Joab, David's great captain; or of Sheba, son of Bichri the rebel. Read the story, from Sinai on to the Apocalypse, and one hears what Milton described as "sonorous metal blowing martial sounds." At Sinai there was "the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud," which made the people in the camp tremble ; and the Apocalypse begins with the hearing of "a great voice, as of a trumpet," and tells of seven angels with trumpets who in turn sounded the judgments of God. No wonder then that the prophets as spiritual teachers use the trumpet in metaphor. Ezekiel describes Israel's desolate condition by saying, "They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready ; but none goeth to the battle."

Ezekiel's parable of the watchman is of special interest in its careful discussion of responsibility: "If the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman : if when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people ; then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning . . . his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul." Then the "watchman unto the house of Israel" is warned that if he do not "speak to warn the wicked from his way," he shall be the one responsible ; but if he "warn the wicked of his way to turn from it," and the one in error does not turn, the watchman is delivered from responsibility. Obedience thus maintains the watchman in the safe place, and enables him to do his work aright without involving him in any sorrowful consequences.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
Habits
September 15, 1917
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit